Deficiency of the
micronutrient zinc is common in patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this review is to summarize evidence presented in literature for consolidation of current knowledge regarding
zinc status in CKD patients, including those undergoing
hemodialysis.
Zinc deficiency is known to be associated with various risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as increased blood pressure,
dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus,
inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Zinc may protect against
phosphate-induced arterial calcification by suppressing activation of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B. Serum
zinc levels have been shown to be positively correlated with T50 (shorter T50 indicates higher calcification propensity) in patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as those with CKD. Additionally, higher intake of dietary
zinc was associated with a lower risk of severe abdominal aortic calcification. In
hemodialysis patients, the beneficial effects of
zinc supplementation in relation to serum
zinc and oxidative stress levels was demonstrated in a meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials. Thus, evidence presented supports important roles of
zinc regarding antioxidative stress and suppression of calcification and indicates that
zinc intake/supplementation may help to ameliorate CVD risk factors in CKD patients.